Ukrainian Orthodox bishops issue appeal to Moscow patriarch to push for end to war

By AP 28 February 2022, 11:41 pm

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Theophilus lll, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem (second from left), pictured with (from left) the Archbishop of Cyprus, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, President Vladimir Putin, the Patriarch of Alexandria, and the Patriarch of Antioch, on December 5, 2017. (Courtesy)

Ukrainian Orthodox bishops are calling on their superior in Moscow to urge Russia’s leadership to stop the war in Ukraine.

The Holy Synod — the governing body of bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church — asks Moscow Patriarch Kirill to call on Russian leaders to stop hostilities. The appeal shows a growing chasm between Patriarch Kirill, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, and his own bishops in Ukraine over the war.

Patriarch Kirill has long had friendly ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In statements to date, he has called for an end to “fratricidal” war in Ukraine, but he has not assigned blame for the conflict and has emphasized a call for Orthodox unity.

While the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is under the ultimate authority of Kirill, it also enjoys considerable autonomy. Its synod also called for divine intervention on behalf of Ukraine’s army.